File - Jardin de Gracia

MISSION: HONDURAS
JARDÍN
DE
GRACIA
WORK TEAM HANDBOOK
OUR MISSION IS TO
GLORIFY GOD:
Jardin de Gracia Mission
7100 W. Elizabeth St.
Columbia, MO 65202
www.jardindegracia.com
 By leading people to faith in
Jesus Christ
 By developing effective
Christians
 And by ministering to those in
need
DEAR WORK TEAM:
TOURIST TRIPS cont’d.
Welcome to the start of a great adventure!
Beach Trip ($25)– The beach is incredible in Honduras. We will
Carefully read the entire handbook so you will be prepared when you
come to Honduras. We believe this information will help in the success of your trip. If you have any questions please contact us!
leave for Tela first thing in the morning, stay the night at a beach front
hotel and go to the airport in the morning for your flight out. This trip
requires rental of a van.
(918) 960-9353– U.S. phone number
Comayagua ($10)- The original capital of Honduras, this colonial town is noted for its older churches. Among them is the Church of
San Francisco, which proudly displays a functioning, 16th-century
clock, that has marked time in Comayagua for many, many years. This
is a easy day trip to climb the clock tower, walk through the central
square and eat a nice lunch.
jamesandbrittanyfoster@gmail.com
May GOD bless you!
There are some attractions here in and near Siguatepeque that
make for a fun diversion. The nice thing about a local trip is that
there is no van rental, fuel cost, or hotel to add cost to your trip.
JARDÍN DE GRACIA
Paintball ($7)– There is a very nice paintball field not far from
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preparation
Booking your Flight
Estimating Your Cost
Packing for the Trip
Requirements to Enter Honduras
Going Through Customs
In Honduras
Accommodations
Phone Calls and Communications
Water
Exchange Rate
Health & Safety Tips
Needs List for School
Spanish Words & Phrases
Tourist Trips
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the school. All equipment and 50 paintballs are included in the price.
We also have the field for as long as we want. We will play a couple
rounds and take a break for lunch then play a couple more rounds.
Pool ($5)- Siguatapeque has a nice pool that is clean & family
friendly. It is a nice little get-a-way for the day.
The Caves at Taulabe ($10)- Taulabe is a town that is a
short 30 min. bus ride from Siguatapeque . The caves are fun, the
trails are well kept with handrails, and there is a guided tour.
Pictures of tourist trips can be found on our Facebook page.
Mail your group check to:
Jardin de Gracia Mission
ATT: Richard Spellman
7100 W. Elizabeth St.
Columbia, MO 65202
For more information, visit the website at www.jardindegracia.com
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SPANISH PHRASES cont’d.
I like it.
Me gusta.
Meh goos’-tah.
God bless you.
Dios le bendiga.
Dee’-ohs leh behn-dee’-gah.
I am a Christian.
Soy Cristiano (m) / Cristiana (f).
Are you a Christian?
¿Es usted cristiano? / cristiana?
Do you know Jesus Christ?
¿Conoce usted a Jesucristo?
Jesus loves you.
Cristo le ama.
Thanks be to God!
¡Gracias a Dios!
TOURIST TRIPS
Honduras is a beautiful country and there are many options for
side trips. All trips are separate from the other cost. All except
the day trips inside of Siguatepeque require van rental and fuel,
which will be approximately $150 per day.
Pulhapanzak Waterfall ($5-$50)- Pulhapanzak means
“White River Overflow” in Mayan. It is the most famous and most photographed waterfall in Honduras dropping about 140 feet. This trip is
a 2 hour drive from the school, so we will go and come back in the
same day. At Pulhapanzak you have four basic options. All options are
in addition to the cost of van rental plus fuel for the day (approx.
$150). It is possible to do a combination of all for a discounted price.
Canopy/Waterfall Zipline Tour (40 min) - $30 per person
River Tubing Tour (3 hours) - $30 per person
Waterfall Cave Tour (1 hours) - $13 per person
Swim in the River (all day) - $5 per person
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PREPARATION
Realizing that the purpose of your trip is service and ministry to the
Lord, please be selective in who you bring. We prefer that you do not
bring anyone under the age of 12. Any younger than that will take
away from your work on the field. You are embarking on a Christian
ministry to a Christian ministry. A work team with only Christians, or
with a high ratio of Christians and a few closely monitored seekers is
preferable. Your work is to the LORD (Col 3:23) and GOD should be
glorified by your work.
We challenge you and all the members of your team to be in GOD’s
Word daily and to pray daily for your trip.
Pray for…
 the work to be efficient and without delays.
 the health and protection of all the team members.
 the lives of the team members as well as those with whom you
will come in contact to be changed.
 A burden for those lost without salvation, that we would recognize their needs and respond with GOD’s love.
 the missionaries whom you are going to help, that they would
be strengthened and renewed by your visit.
Above all, pray that the LORD’s will would be accomplished and that
HE would be glorified through this trip!
We also suggest that you meet together regularly as a group to pray in
one accord as the NT Christians did. (Acts 1:14)
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BOOKING YOUR FLIGHT
United has a direct flight form Houston, Texas. Delta Airlines has a
direct flight from Atlanta, Georgia. American Airlines has a direct
flight from Miami. You will need to make a connection in one of these
cities and continue on to San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa Honduras.
We always suggest flying into San Pedro Sula because it is an easier
airport to drive to. If you wish to fly in to Tegucigalpa, the capital city,
then that is fine. Sometimes it is cheaper, but it is a difficult airport for
airplanes to fly in to and out of.
There are many low cost carriers now that fly into Honduras. However, they usually arrive at odd hours. Travel at night is not safe in Honduras. If you book a flight that arrives after 6:00 PM or departs before 9:00 AM you will need to plan on staying the night in a hotel near
the airport. This will be an added cost for your team.
SPANISH WORDS & PHRASES
Good morning (Good day).
Buenos días.
Bweh’-nohs dee’-ahs
Good afternoon.
Buenas tardes.
Bweh’-nahs tahr’-dehs
Good evening.
Buenas noches.
Bweh’-nahs noh’-chehs
How are you?
¿Cómo está usted?
Koh’-moh ehs-tah’ oos-tehd’?
Very well, thanks. And you?
Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y usted?
Moo’-y bee-ehn’ grah’-syahs.
¿ee oos-tehd’?
Good-bye.
Adios.
Ah-dee-ohs’
What is your name?
¿Cómo se llama usted?
¿koh’mo seh yah’-mah oos-tehd?
Please.
Por favor.
Pohr fah-vohr’
Thank you.
Gracias.
Grah’-syahs
You’re welcome.
De nada.
Deh nah’-dah
Where is the bathroom?
¿Dónde está el baño?
Dohn’-deh ehs-tah’ ehl bah’-nyoh?
Pardon me.
Perdóneme.
Pehr-doh’-neh-meh
The cost of your work trip will vary according to the cost of your airline
ticket.
When flying as a group, we recommend that you wear the same color
of shirts. The airport personnel and customs officers will often recognize you as a work team and speed you through the immigration, customs, and ticketing processes. The same color of shirt will set you
apart as a mission work team and has proven to be very helpful in the
past.
Note: Cost of a valid US passport (approx. $135 new or $110 to renew) is not included. Cost of any side trips (tourist) is not included.
Perry Christian Church 2012
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NEEDS LIST
RECURRING
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- WE CAN ALWAYS USE
School supplies: crayons, glue, glue sticks, pencils, colored pencils, scissors, etc.
Copy paper (regular & legal-size)
Children’s chewable vitamins (some with iron)
Lice shampoo
Children’s books in Spanish
Tooth brushes & small tubes of toothpaste
Little McDonalds type toys for prizes in class
Anti-dust chalk (white) & erasers
Dry Erase markers & erasers
Batteries
Peanut butter
Hand Sanitizer
Girl knee socks
ESTIMATING YOUR COST
Approx. Round Trip per plane ticket
$800
Daily Room/Board per person
$25
Honduras Exit Fee per person
$40
Transportation per group
$300
Your work team will also be responsible for money to cover the cost of
the materials for your work project, we treat this as a donation to the
mission. Generally, this is anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the number in your work team and the type of work you will be
doing.
Your daily room and board rate covers all of your basic expenses, including all meals while you are here. You may want a little pocket
money for snacks, sodas and souvenirs.
The transportation charge covers all your transportation to and from
the airport. This does not include any tourist trips you may take. Room
and board does not cover the cost of hotels if you take an overnight
trip. If you arrive late in the evening a hotel costs $80 for a 4 person
room.
Send your money as early as possible. If it is possible, please send
your money in one lump sum 30 days in advance.
The library and the Administration
buildings at the school.
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PACKING FOR THE TRIP
Check with your airline provider for the number of checked bags you
are allowed. It is suggested that you pack lightly (the mission has a
washer & dryer) and utilize the extra space in your luggage to
transport tools, food, or supplies for the mission.
If you want to bring gifts for the school, we have a few suggestions for
you. Please e-mail us and ask for an updated list or see our “Needs
List”. We will be happy to advise you.
Honduras is struggling economically. Its laws and regulations reflect
the government’s desire to protect the economy and help it grow.
Honduras’ laws do not always make sense to North Americans. Consequently, the following recommendations will make your passage
easier, even if you do not completely understand why.
Pack all your gifts and supplies for the school in with your personal
belongings. Pack all gifts in a suitcase, traveling bag, or plastic tub.
No trash bags or store bags. Remove price tags and labels where
possible. Do not pack multiple items together (i.e. 10 boxes of Crayons or 10 new pairs of shoes).
Rainy Season—August thru December
Dryer Season—January thru July
What to Pack:
___passport in your carry-on
___soap/shampoo/deodorant
___sunscreen / hat/ sunglasses
___work gloves
___allergy medicine/motion-sickness medicine
___diarrhea medicine
___light jacket or sweat shirt (it gets cold at night)
___light-weight clothing to work in
___dress clothes for church (no suits)
___shorts are acceptable to relax in after work
___spending $ in small denominations
___table games for evenings
___for girls – sanitary napkins or tampons
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___1 roll toilet paper
___Water bottle
___Bible/pen/journal
___insect repellent
___prescriptions
___camera/film
___modest swimsuit
___housecoat/robe
___boots/tennis shoes
___rain gear (optional)
___baby wipes
___modest comfortable pjs
HEALTH & SAFETY TIPS cont’d.
 Keep an eye on your belongings. It is recommended you keep
your wallet in your front pocket, gentlemen. Do not flaunt or show
your money around. Leave jewelry and valuables at home in the
states.
PROJECTING A SERVANT’S HEART
 Remember, we are the ones sent to serve; not be served!
 Eat what is put in front of you. Now is not the time for being a picky eater. Be grateful for what you’ve been given
and eat. (Food-related allergies are the only exception.)
 Be cautious about taking advantage of or liberties with our
hosts. Remember, we are the servants sent to serve.
 Clean up after yourselves. This includes bathroom facilities, kitchen and meal areas, your personal bunk space,
work areas and the school grounds in general. Leave
things better than what you found them.
 We are a representation of Christ and your home Church to the
Honduran people and to the school.
 Conduct yourselves in an appropriate manner—no loud
music, excessive carrying-on, water fights, etc. You are
their guests. Please behave better than you would at
home.
 Do your best work. Don't say to yourself “its good enough
for these people” or “its better than nothing”. Do the job as
you would want it done if you were paying someone else to
do it at your home.
Painting, carpentry, and
concrete work keep teams
busy
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HEALTH & SAFETY TIPS cont’d.
In Case of an Accident or Injury…
Medical attention is not up to the standards of the United States.
However, there are very good clinics and a hospital in Siguatepeque,
which we use often. We have access to a doctor who speaks fluent
English who helps us with all our medical needs.
Each group leader is responsible for the well being of the members of
his team. And each member is responsible for his own doctor and
hospital bills. Of course, Jardin de Gracia will do everything possible
to see that treatment is given and bills are paid, regardless of money,
but we expect to be reimbursed for such expenses. In the event that
a team member has to be flown home due to serious illness, the
member will assume the financial responsibility.
Medical insurance is not readily available in Honduras. Hence,
NO INSURANCE is provided by Jardín de Gracia.
Note: Each team member needs to contact his/her own insurance company on their policies for
covering accidents, illnesses or injuries while abroad. You may need to add a limited rider to
your insurance policy to cover such possibilities.. Please be prepared!
GROUND RULES
 No one goes anywhere outside the school fence alone! Always
travel in groups of three or four. Teens/kids must be with a responsible adult over 18. Stick together at all times.
 No one goes outside the fence at night. Period.
 Children are not allowed on site when school is not in session.
This is for your protection and theirs. The school is responsible
for any accident that may occur to them on school property.
 Do not attempt to pet or befriend the street dogs.
 Do not give gifts of any kind (money, jewelry, toys, clothing, etc.)
to children or families without permission. THIS IS TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCED! Giving gifts in a random manner will encourage
them to become beggars; expecting gifts every time a mission
team or American comes. It does not empower them to become
responsible, hardworking adults. Any gift or items you would like
to leave behind can be given to the school and used as incentives
by the teachers or at the discretion of the missionaries of the
school The only exceptions are gifts given to a child you may be
personally sponsoring and again—only by permission.
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Packing Tips:
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Pack 1 change of clothes and toiletries in your carry-on.
Put your shampoo, etc., in quart ziploc bags for traveling.
Label your belongings with indelible ink markers that will not
wash away.
CONTACTS – Bring a back-up pair of glasses.
Electricity is not always available.
Do not put padlocks on your luggage. They will probably be cut
off by the airline for inspection. If possible, use plastic ties to
secure your luggage.
It is a wise idea to put unused plastic ties in your luggage for the
inspectors to reseal your luggage. Use duct tape to seal plastic
tubs.
No military clothing or bags!
No jewelry (except for a plain, inexpensive watch).
No weapons of any kind.
Pay attention to the weight of your luggage. Consult your airline
for their regulations.
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NOTICE: Travel rules and restrictions have changed due to heightened security. As a
result, all LIQUIDS, GELS and/or AEROSALS must be in 3 oz containers or smaller and in
a 1 quart (1 liter), plastic zip-top bag and only 1 per person on your carry-on luggage.
Exceptions:
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Medications (liquids, gels and/or aerosol)
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Liquids (to include water, juice or liquid nutrients) or gels for diabetic or other medical
needs.
For complete information regarding these restrictions visit the TSA website
at www.tsa.gov/311
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REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING
HONDURAS
Everyone will need a passport. These take 6-8 weeks, so begin working on this as soon as possible. Go to the post office for an application or go to a Passport Service Agency. You will need 2 passport photos. Just any photo will not do. These are special photos that can be
obtained from places like Wal-Mart. They are a specific size, background, and type. A new passport will cost approximately $135
(passport needs to be a booklet, not a card) and is good for ten years.
Your passport cannot expire for at least six months after your trip.
Members who are not U.S. citizens need to check on the visa requirements for entering Honduras as a citizen of another country. For current information regarding passports and travel for US citizens visit
www.travel.state.gov
Minors will need a notarized permission slip from their parents to
leave the United States. The U.S. is strict about people taking minors
out of the country.
A current tetanus shot is required by this mission. Check with your
doctor. Tetanus vaccine is not readily available in Honduras and is
very expensive. Come prepared. Hepatitis shots are optional.
TIP: Please do not take out any money while you are in the airport.
Do not change any money at the airport. All of your expenses at the
airport will be taken care of by the Mission. If you want or need something, even a cup of coffee or an ice cream cone, ask your Jardin de
Gracia representative.
GOING THROUGH CUSTOMS
On the airplane you will receive a form(s) to fill out. Please check that
you are a tourist and are traveling by airplane. Your address while in
Honduras will be Siguatepeque, Honduras. Keep this form(s) with
your passport handy to give to the Immigration Officer at the counter/
desk at the airport.
There are two areas that you must go through upon arrival at the airport. First, you will follow the other passengers downstairs to Immigration. Here each team member will present their passport and paperwork. A yellow Visa will be stapled into your passport. You must
have this Visa in order to leave Honduras.
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Health & Safety Tips
YES, IT’S DUSTY…
People who normally wear contacts may want to bring and wear glasses while they are here. As a minimum, please bring an emergency
pair of glasses. It is a good idea to wear sunglasses with plastic
lenses while working, to protect your eyes from flying debris.
MEDICINE…
Remember to bring asthma and allergy medicines, as well as motion
sickness medicine. It is also a good idea to bring an ample supply of
any special prescriptions you may use.
BITE!
BITE!
Stay away from local dogs. Dogs are greatly abused in Honduras.
They may seem friendly, but they may bite unsuspecting people for no
apparent reason. Dogs rarely have had a rabies vaccination and may
carry many diseases and insects.
DON’T DO IT!
Do not eat anything from the street. Nothing! The sanitation here is
very poor. The street vendors do not have access to running water or
bathrooms. And you do not know where their hands or their utensils
have been.
DON’T FORGET TO WEAR SUNBLOCK…
Siguatepeque is at about 3,500 feet elevation. El Socorro is even
higher. This is a subtropical climate nearer the Equator and thus
nearer the sun. The sun is brutal. Working in this climate can increase your chances of sunburn. Overexposure to the sun is dangerous and can cause sickness. You do not want to miss out on your
trip! So use sunblock, hats, and clothing to protect sensitive areas.
You may also want to bring Aloe Vera for sunburn.
Just in case…
Because of the change in living conditions, we have found that some
people do come down with diarrhea. Please bring some kind of diarrhea medicine, and a little Pepto Bismol never hurts!
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ACCOMODATIONS cont’d.
Different From the States…
In almost all of Honduras, the sewer system is not adequate to manage toilet paper. Except at the school, please do not flush toilet paper
down the stool. Usually a trashcan is provided to dispose of the toilet
paper. And, if you use a public restroom anywhere, take your own
toilet paper or a Kleenex. You probably won’t find any there.
Exchange rate….
When you have finished with
Immigration, you will then get
luggage carts to collect your
luggage. Then you will go
through Customs. Most likely,
you will be waved on through
Customs. (This is why you wear
the same color of shirt.) However, you may be required to open
each piece of luggage for a personal search. If an official addresses you directly, respond in a straightforward and simple manner.
It would be appropriate to say, “We are going to help a mission.”
Clearing Immigration and Customs is serious business. Jokes and
playing around are inappropriate and not appreciated. They may also
get you, and the whole work team, into trouble. Maintain a serious
attitude.
When finished with Immigration and Customs, you will then pass
through sliding glass doors into the lobby of the airport where a representative of Jardin de Gracia will meet you and lunch will be provided
for you at one of the restaurants in San Pedro Sula. We will also provide you with bottled water, if you need it. It is a two-hour bus ride
from San Pedro Sula to Siguatepeque through moderate mountains.
If you have motion sickness you may want to bring some Dramamine.
Honduras uses
Lempiras and centavos for currency.
The current exchange rate is
about 19 Lempiras
to one dollar. You
IN HONDURAS
will be able to change
money at the school if you
so desire. About $50 is generally
adequate if you want to buy some
simple souvenirs.
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CUSTOMS cont’d.
Conduct yourselves with a servant’s attitude at all times. As a guest
in Honduras and an ambassador of CHRIST, a servant’s attitude is
essential. Regard the needs of the Honduran people as more important than your own desires. Always remember the reason you
have come, which is to serve. This lends credibility to your work in the
community.
Be respectful of the culture. Because you are in a foreign country,
you will certainly see many contrasts to your lifestyle. Be sensitive to
the conditions and to the people. Your Christ-like attitude makes the
biggest difference in your ability to serve GOD’s church
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IN HONDURAS cont’d.
Be very modest. The way you dress may be considered a good indication of your attitude. We live in a poor, third world country. Although
you may see shorts, tank tops, ragged clothing, or no shirt, this is still
considered immodest in some areas. We live and work in a rural area. Be conservative. Your work clothes should be in good repair. You
should always wear a shirt, even when working.
Think before you speak. Think first when interacting with the kids and
the adults in the community. Many Hondurans understand English,
although they are shy about using it. Negative comments like, “It sure
smells here,” will be offensive.
ACCOMODATIONS
No smoking. Smoking is not permitted at the school or in any of the
vehicles. Smoking for work team members is strongly discouraged
elsewhere.
No alcoholic beverages Purchasing and/or consuming alcoholic beverages at any time on your trip is not permitted.
ALLERGIES
Please inform us ahead of time if a member of your group has any
food allergies, is vegetarian, or is allergic to dogs or bees.
BEDS
Groups will stay on the Jardin site in the various buildings or the
apartment with the Fosters. All linens and towels are provided.
MEALS
ACCOMODATIONS cont’d.
relax. If we are working off site, lunch will be waiting on us when we
return or delivered to the job site.
Dinner is eaten around one table, just as a family does. This is an
excellent time to have a bible study and review the day. We ask that
you assign one person in you group a night and they lead the bible
study. We ask that everyone pick a night to help with dinner clean-up.
We will eat dinner at a restaurant in town at least once.
PHONE CALLS
We will have access to a cell phone from the school. Many cell phone
companies can add on an international call service to your cell phone
for an extra cost. We also have access to computers with internet
service. We understand that you may need to contact your church or
family. We do ask that these privileges of phone and computer use
are not abused. Remember we are there to serve others and to gain a
perspective of what it means to leave everything behind for the cause
of Christ. Expect to not be in touch with your family for the duration
of the week. When you arrive the leader should make one phone call
or email message to some one that will let everyone back home know
that you arrived safely. Other contact will be made in emergency situations only. Homesickness is not an emergency.
WATER
Please drink only bottled water during your stay in Honduras. While
the water at Jardin de Gracia is perfectly safe to drink, at other locations you will want to drink only bottled water. Even at restaurants, if
you order water, please order bottled water.
Breakfast will begin service near 6:00 AM and service will cease
promptly at 7:00 AM. The children begin arriving at 7:00 AM and
many of the kids eat very little for breakfast. Please be sensitive to
this. If you do not make it to breakfast by 7:00 AM then plan on not
eating breakfast. We like to have the kitchen clean, vacant, and ready
for lunch prep by 7:30 AM.
Lunch will be eaten with the kids in the cafeteria. It begins around
11:00 AM and is over around noon. We encourage groups to help
serve lunch with the mothers, to eat with the kids, and to visit. Lunch
is the biggest meal of the day in Honduras. So we plan to take time to
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In Honduras, water comes from
the school or from plastic. A bag
or bottle are good choices. A
glass is not!
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